Jig Rigging - Stiff Assist Hook

[Sea Draggin]

Today I have talked with two people that have had issues with hooks snagging on their jigs.

It took me a minute to figure out part of what might be going on. I think how the jig is tied on has a lot to do with it when using a stiff rigged hook.

I have never have the issue, however I have gotten into the habit of tying on my hooks so they always stick outward. With limp hooks tied with kevlar it doesn't seem to work like this, but with stiff rigged hooks it does.

In the picture below, you will see one jig (pink) tied so the hook faces out. I haven't noticed any difference whether its on the bottom or top, just that it is sticking outward. The other jig (purple) is tied with the hook facing in toward the jig.





The next picture shows the purple jig retied the other way so the hook is oriented outward. I have just gotten into the habit of always setting mine up this way.



Hope this helps out.
Jim

[Jared D]

thats how I do it also. Never noticed any issues... I just want my hooks point exposed.

[mythosbeer]

Another option is something Shout makes. It is called an assist guard. It keeps the hook from fouling on the jig. Here's a pic of it.

Mitch

[Snapp]

Jim,

Thanks for that. It will also help out with bite offs. I have only jigged once so I don't know if its a common thing. I had a huge run-off then nothing. When I cranked it in there was just the assist hook "rope" with no hook

[captdavdavis01]

if you jig is getting snagged in the bight of your hook, then your hook's gap is to small. Swap it out for the next size larger hook.



Danny

[ChrisW_]

Good advice Jim.
Assist hook snagging is due to the assist cord being too limp. Use some heat shrink tubing as per Jim's photos or the proper Japanese "sea Hunter" kevlar cord. Spectra cord is too limp by itself.